Family Friendly Classics

Today, I'm sharing classic stories that can be read by the whole family.  Here are a few of my favorites . . .

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg's father, who has disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Headed for Canada to visit his father for the first time since his parents' divorce, thirteen-year-old Brian is the sole survivor of a plane crash, with only the clothes he has on and a hatchet to help him live in the wilderness.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

No case is too tricky for the world's most famous sleuth and his incredible powers of deduction, in a collection of mystery stories for young readers.

More Books --

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling

Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

Stuart Little by E.B. White

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

White Fang by Jack London

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Road Trip by Gary Paulsen

 

Ben has just been informed he's going on a road trip with his father -- a road trip he's not sure he wants to go on.  

He wants to rescue the dog there travelling to save.  But he doesn't want to spend any time with his dad.  

So invites along his thuggish friend Theo.  

Then they're joined by a cranky mechanic who lends them his school bus for the trip.  

Next they're joined by a waitress who reads aura.  

This is going to be one memorable road trip.

This is a fun and interesting book to read (or listen to on audio).  The characters draw you into the story -- especially Atticus, their current dog, who narrates his observations at the end of each chapter.  I would definitely recommend this book to all readers.

Witchtown by Cory Putman Oakes

Macie and her mother travel from town to town stealing money from them before leaving.  They're never caught as Macie's mother casts a spell that erases them from everyone's memories.  But now they've arrived at Witchtown -- the last town they'll ever steal from as Macie's mother promises.  But can Macie really trust her mother?

The characters in the book are interesting due to their many secrets that are revealed slowly throughout the story.  Teens will enjoy this book of power, friendship, and family.

Maybe This Time by Kasie West

Name an event and Sophie will be there.  Well she has to be there.  

Sophie works for the local florist who does not only does all the flowers but also organizes most of the events throughout the year in their small town.  

Then at the annual Valentine's Party at the local nursing home she runs into Andrew, the son of a famous chef working with the local caterer.  

Now they are both required to be at all of the same events for the next year.  Too bad they hate each other.  

Hopefully the year will pass quickly.

This book takes place over one year at nine different events.  It chronicles the evolving relationship Sophie has with her mom, best friend, and Andrew.  This would be a great book for those who like authors Deb Caletti, Jennifer E. Smith or Morgan Matson.

You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith

Emma has always felt like something is missing -- that she doesn't fit into her family.  Then she finds out she had a twin brother who died right after birth.

Peter has always wanted to travel the world -- see new places.  He's never gotten the chance as his father is determined to keep them both in their small town forever.

Now they're on a road trip together.  Emma wants to find the brother she never knew and convinces Peter to go with her to find his grave.

I really enjoyed this book.  I liked the relationships between the various characters and how they change throughout the story.  I would recommend this to fans of Sarah Dessen or Morgan Matson.

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

It's 1958 and there is a new family living next door to Mrs. Dowdel . . . a family that desperately needs her help whether they know it or not.

There's 12 year old Bob who is shy and being picked on by bullies.
There's 14 year old Phyllis who is obsessed with Elvis Presley.
There's 6 year old Ruth Ann who is looking for a larger than life role model.
And there are their parents, a young minister and his wife, who are adjusting to small town life.

As they go through the fall season from the start of school to Christmas, they'll realize just how special Mrs. Dowdel is and all the gifts she's given them.


This is a companion novel to A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder.  It continues the exploits of Mrs. Dowdel and the small town she lives in.  This is an excellent story for children, especially during the holiday season.  It's also available in audiobook for those who would prefer to listen to the story.

How (Not) to Ask a Boy to Prom by S.J. Goslee

Nolan's sister Daphne has given him an ultimatum -- ask a boy to prom or she will do it for him.  That's how he ends up "dating" Ira Bernstein. 

Daphne's promposal goes astray.  Instead of the cute Si O'Mara, Bern accepts his request. 

Now they are "dating" in a mutual partnership to get Daphne off Nolan's back and Bern's girlfriend Gia back for him.

But as seen with the promposal, Nolan's life never goes as expected . . . .



This is a fun romance of mistakes and misunderstandings.  It's a great send-up of the "fake dating" trope that is often used in teen romances.  However, it is the relationship between Nolan and Daphne that is really great.  Their family is one that anyone would want to a part of.

Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

Comfort Snowberger has attended more funerals that anyone else her age as her family owns the local funeral parlor.  But when Great Aunt Florentine dies it is different.  Comfort not only has to deal with her grief for Aunt Florentine but also her annoying cousin Peach and her best friend who has suddenly turned away from her.


This book is loosely connected to the Aurora County novels by Deborah Wiles.  I enjoyed this book.  It was entertaining and funny even while dealing with the various forms grief can take.  I would recommend this book to all kids.

A Long Line of Cakes: An Aurora County Novel by Deborah Wiles

Emma Lane Cake belongs to a family of traveling bakers.  They arrive in a new town every few months to set up a bakery and leave after helping the town with their problems.

Now they've arrived in Halleluia.  Emma is afraid to make another best friend that she'll have to leave again soon.  But she soon meets Ruby Lavendar and can't help becoming her friend.

Now Emma and Ruby must come up with a plan to keep the Cakes in Halleluia forever.



This is the fourth book in the Aurora County series by Deborah Wiles.  While it isn't the first book, you don't need to read the others to enjoy it.  This book is filled with family and friends with a hint of the mystical. 

Top Ten by Katie Cortugno

Ryan and Gabby have been best friends since freshman year.  No one really gets their friendship.  They are complete opposites.  Ryan is the popular hockey player which Gabby has crippling social anxiety.  Yet somehow their friendship works. 

Now it is graduation and they are looking back at the top ten moments of their relationship -- both the good moments and the bad . . . .



This book shares the top ten moments that make up Ryan and Gabby's relationship told from both their points of view.  It jumps through time as it shares those moments.  This would be a great book for fans of Jennifer E. Smith or Morgan Matson.

Boomerang by Helene Dunbar

Michael Sterling disappeared five years ago.  Everything thought he had been kidnapped.  They've been searching for him for five years.

Now he's returned home.

They didn't know that he wasn't kidnapped . . . instead he ran away.  He changed his name to Sean Woodhouse.  He found a new family and a new best friend -- Trip.

They don't know he only returned to get the inheritance from his grandparents.  Then he plans to once again disappear -- this time with Trip.


This was a very interesting book to read.  You grow to care about Sean and his difficulties returning to his past and determining what to do in his future.  This would be a good book for those who enjoy mysteries or suspense.

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

Elaine is not thrilled to be starting her junior year at a new high school just because her professor parents are on a sabbatical. 

That's before she meets Will.  Will is quarterback of the football team, senior class president, and friend to nearly everybody.  When Will becomes her friend, Elaine decides this move might not be so bad.

But something strange is going on at Avalon High.  Will's best friend and girlfriend are hooking up in secret.  His brother hates him.  And the English teacher thinks Will is the reincarnation of King Arthur.

Will Elaine be able to save Will?  And what's her part in this story?



This is a retelling of the King Arthur story set in a modern-day high school.  It was a fun book to read with a little bit of everything for everyone.  There's fantasy, romance, suspense, and mystery.

Half Bad by Sally Green

Nathan lives in a cage. 

Everyday he is beaten, shackled, and trained to kill. 

He is the weapon that the White Witches want to send against the Black Witch Marcus.

But Nathan doesn't want to kill Marcus.  He simply wants to meet the witch who is his father and receive his gifts from him.



This is the first book in a trilogy by fantasy author Sally Green.  The book keeps you guessing as to who the truly evil are.  It is a great book for those who enjoy stories of survival and magic.

Judy Moody and Stink: The Big Bad Blackout by Megan McDonald

Hurricane Elmer is coming!

The Moody family, including Judy, Stink, their parents, Grandma Lou, and several pets, are hunkering down as Hurricane Elmer approaches.  They've prepared for the coming storm, including stocking up on marshmallows, but what will they do when the electricity goes out?


This is a great story for kids -- whether they've read previous Judy Moody and Stink books before or not.  The creative ways they pass the time are fun to read about.  I would definitely recommend this book to kids.  You can also listen to it on audio.

The Many Lives of John Stone by Linda Buckley-Archer

Stella Park (nicknamed Spark) gets a summer job working on John Stone's archive of historical notebooks at his remote estate in Suffolk, England. 

The job is an odd one where she is simply arranging the notebooks without any context as they are all in a coded cypher. 

The estate is even odder with inhabitants that either seem to despise her or consider her a long-lost family member. 

Will Spark figure out the mysteries surrounding her job and the people she meet that summer?



This is a very interesting book about family, love, and life.  The interspersing of the notebooks between the story of Spark and the mysteries in her life works to build interest in the characters and stories.  I would recommend this for older teens and adults.

Save the Date by Morgan Matson

Charlie has been waiting for this weekend forever. 

Her sister is getting married and the whole family is coming home.  This will be the first time in nearly two years that all four of her siblings will be together with her parents.  She's missed the fun they've always had . . . and it will be the last time they'll be together in their house as they're moving right after the wedding. 

She just knows it will be perfect . . .



This story is full of catastrophes, secrets, and blunders.  There is never a dull moment with Charlie and her family.  I would recommend this book to fans of Sarah Dessen or Jennifer E. Smith.

Layover by Amy Andelson & Emily Mayer

Flynn and Amos have been avoiding each other for nearly six months.  They've always been the best of friends as they looked out and cared for their younger stepsister Poppy.  However, a growing crush by each of them on the other has made things incredibly awkward and has sent Amos running away to boarding school.  Christmas vacation will be the first time they spend any time together. 

When Poppy reveals a huge secret while on a layover in LA, Flynn and Amos decide it's time to take a break and stay in LA with Poppy. 

Now they're on the run while trying to figure out what to do next . . .


While many might consider this a straightforward teen romance, I would term this more of a family story with some romance added in.  This is really the story of Flynn, Amos, and Poppy and their relationship as siblings.  It's obvious that they are a very loving family that is trying the make the best of their situations.  I would recommend this book to fans of Morgan Matson or Jennifer E. Smith.

The Big Bad Fox by Benjamin Renner

Try as he might, the Fox just isn't big, bad, or scary.  Not a single animal on the farm is afraid of him.  So he schemes with the wolf to steal some eggs. When they hatch, they'll have a tasty meal.  But things never go as the fox plans . . . .

This simple comic by Benjamin Renner is a quick, fun read.  You truly come to like the bumbling fox as his attachment grows to the chicks.  However, the real stars of this comic are the chicks themselves.  They are hilarious!

My Life With the Walter Boys by Ali Novak

After her family is killed in a car accident, Jackie moves from New York City to rural Colorado to live with her mother's best friend and family.  It's complete culture shock made worse by the fact that there are 12 children in the Walter family -- all boys.


This is basically a love triangle story.  While there is a lot of grief over the loss of her family, most of Jackie's time is consumed with how to deal with the two brothers that want to date her. 

This was a novel written by a 15-year-old on Wattpad that eventually was published.

Devils Within by S.F. Henson

Nate was 8 years old the first time he stabbed someone.  

He was 11 years old when he earned his red laces for spilling blood for his father's "cause".  

He was 14 years old when he murdered his father, the leader of the white supremacist group The Fort.  

Nearly two years later, he's being sent to live with his uncle who hates him in a town that ignores him.  

Then he meets Brandon, a person The Fort taught Nate to hate on sight.  

Brandon can never know Nate's past . . .

While this is a difficult book to read it is also a very well written book that draws you into the story and into caring for Nate.  This is a book that looks at hate and how it is indoctrinated into people without their even realizing it.  I would recommend this to teens looking for a realistic and gritty book that is also about redemption.